"His size, his athleticism, his strength, his knowledge, all
that stuff -- yes, it's an added bonus," coach Mike Brown said
before Cleveland's game at the Washington Wizards on Wednesday
night.

The Cavaliers had a week to match the offer sheet or lose the
6-foot-10 Varejao to the Bobcats.

They didn't take nearly that long. Cleveland's decision came
only a day after Charlotte and Varejao agreed to terms -- and a day
after the Cavaliers' fourth straight loss. That included going 0-3
without LeBron James, who sprained his left index finger a week ago
and was missing his fourth game in a row Wednesday.

Brown criticized his team's lack of effort Tuesday in a 100-79
loss to New Jersey, something Varejao should be able to help
improve.

"We're looking forward to getting him in Cleveland and getting
him back on the basketball court," Cavaliers general manager Danny
Ferry said. "He's a player we respect and admire and he'll help us
become a better basketball team."

Varejao isn't much of a scorer, but the 25-year-old, mop-haired
Brazilian known for his energetic defense should help the Cavaliers
regain their intensity on the court.

"I'm happy to have him back, especially now, when we are down
guys," forward Drew Gooden said. "He will be helpful for us."

A fan favorite, Varejao averaged a career-best 6.8 points and
6.7 rebounds last season as the Cavaliers reached the NBA finals
for the first time.

Brown said Wednesday he hadn't spoken to Varejao and wasn't sure
when the player would join the Cavaliers.

It's possible Varejao could be with Cleveland as soon as
Saturday's game at Charlotte, but he still needs to have visa
issues worked out, travel from Brazil and pass a physical, making
Tuesday's home game against Indiana more likely for his return.

"Whether it's practice or whatever, he's just got to get out
there and start banging heads right away," Brown said. "You've
got to find minutes for him on the floor, because there's not a ton
of practice time."

Varejao could opt out of the deal after the second season and
become an unrestricted free agent.

Verejao told ESPN.com's Chad Ford last week that the contract dispute had made him want out of Cleveland.

"I wanted to come back," Varejao told Ford. "I love the fans and I really love my teammates. But there are others there that have made it very difficult. It's gotten to the point that I don't want to play there anymore. I'm just hoping for a sign-and-trade at this point."

The Bobcats were hoping they would be that team. Tied for last
in the NBA in defensive rebounds per game, the Bobcats have been
searching for a big man since Sean May's season-ending knee surgery
during training camp.

"I don't think it's a major, major surprise that Cleveland
matched the offer," Bobcats coach Sam Vincent said. "We've got to
continue to look. I don't think at any point you exhaust that
search until you finalize that you can't improve."

Before training camp opened, Varejao turned down Cleveland's
one-year, $1.2 million qualifying offer. If he had signed, the
former second-round draft pick could have become an unrestricted
free agent after this season. In late October, the Cavaliers
rejected a six-year, $52 million package presented by Varejao's
agent, Dan Fegan.

The Cavaliers waived guard/forward Demetris Nichols to make room
for Varejao on the roster.

Before joining the Cavaliers for the 2004-05 season, Varejao
spent three seasons in Spain playing for F.C. Barcelona. He's also
a member of the Brazilian national team.

"Anderson would have been a real nice addition to the team,"
Vincent said. "He's a veteran. He knows how to play and he plays
hard."